Theophilus Fraerman Ukrainian artist and teacher Date of Birth: 16.03.1883

1. Early Life and Education
2. Paris and Artistic Influences
3. Return to Odessa and Founding of Independent Artists Society
4. Academic Career and Art Preservation
5. Surviving Attacks and Legacy
6. Later Years and Legacy

Early Life and Education

Teofil Borisovich (Teviel Berilevich) Fraerman was born on March 2 (16), 1883, in Berdichev, Ukraine, to a family of artisans. His family later moved to Odessa. At the age of 13, Fraerman began working as an apprentice in a painting workshop while attending evening classes at the Odessa Art School. In 1898, he enrolled in the school and studied under the tutelage of Kiriyak Kostandi.

Paris and Artistic Influences

Following Kostandi's advice, Fraerman moved to Munich in 1903 and attended the Anton Aschbe Academy. He mastered painting techniques but left due to the academic style of instruction. He then traveled to Paris and settled in "La Ruche" in Montparnasse. Fraerman assisted sculptor Aronson and worked in the studio of Auguste Rodin, translating sculptures into marble. He also worked at the Luxembourg Museum and participated in various exhibitions.

In 1905, Fraerman enrolled in the École des Beaux-Arts and studied under Gabriel Fournier and Léon Bonnat. His works, signed "Theo Fra," were exhibited in the Salon d'Automne in 1909 and purchased by collectors and patrons. He was elected as a permanent member of the Salon's jury and also exhibited at the Salon des Indépendants and other shows.

Return to Odessa and Founding of Independent Artists Society

After the outbreak of World War I in 1914, Fraerman moved to London, where he stayed for three years. Upon learning of the February Revolution in Russia, he returned to Odessa via Arkhangelsk, hoping to eventually return to Paris.

On September 1 (14), 1917, Fraerman arrived in Odessa and played an active role in establishing the Society of Independent Artists. He participated in the society's exhibitions and became its director due to his mother's illness. After 1920, following the establishment of Soviet rule, he was unable to leave Odessa.

Academic Career and Art Preservation

Fraerman taught at the Academy of the Society of Independent Artists in 1918 and later at the Odessa Art Institute in 1919. In 1920, he was appointed director of the Odessa State Art Museum and later established the Western Painting Department in 1934. He also served as the director of the Odessa Museum of Russian and Ukrainian Art.

Surviving Attacks and Legacy

In the mid-1930s, Fraerman faced accusations of "formalism" and "cosmopolitanism." He was expelled from the Art Institute but later reinstated due to an order from Moscow. He continued teaching at the Odessa Institute of Engineering and Construction and secretly concealed his works to avoid persecution.

During World War II, Fraerman participated in preserving and evacuating museum treasures. Despite the limited conditions in evacuation, he created portraits and landscapes that were exhibited in Ufa.

After the war, Fraerman returned to teaching and in 1947 was awarded a medal for his contributions. In 1949, he organized an exhibition of Niko Pirosmanishvili in Ukraine.

Later Years and Legacy

Fraerman retired in 1951 due to heart problems. He painted a series of gouaches, "Everyday Pictures of the West," which were permeated with his signature "Parisian spirit."

Fraerman passed away on January 7, 1957. Posthumous exhibitions of his work were held in Kiev and Odessa, and many of his paintings were acquired by museums and private collections. His works continue to be celebrated and exhibited both in Ukraine and internationally.